Pangkalpinang, Aug. 6 -- Indonesia is expanding child-friendly spaces and strengthening inter-ministerial cooperation to address rising mental health problems among children and adolescents, Population and Family Development Minister Wihaji said Thursday.

"Currently, 34.9 percent of our children are experiencing mental health problems," Wihaji said after inspecting a Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) service unit in Pangkalbalam, Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands.

The ministry is working with the ministries of Communications and Digital Affairs, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Primary and Secondary Education, and Religious Affairs to expand the Child-Friendly Spaces initiative.

"We have an obligation to educate all citizens, e...